Summer is here! Warmer weather and longer days are always a welcome change. But with the hotter and dryer months, come the wildfires too. As of July 2, 2024, sixty-two wildfires were burning in Alberta.
How can you prepare for a wildfire?
Watch this video from the Government of Alberta to learn more about FireSmart methods to protect yourself, your property and your belongings.
Visit Alberta Emergency Preparedness for more information: Alberta.ca/wildfire-preparedness.
Not in Alberta?
- Canada-wide: The Canadian Wildland Fire Information System (CWFIS) creates daily fire weather and fire behavior maps year-round and hot spot maps throughout the forest fire season, generally between May and September.
Another great resource is the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction website where you can find practical guidelines, infographics and videos on how to protect yourself and your family in the event of a wildfire. - British Columbia: 211 British Columbia is a resource list, created to help anyone affected by wildfires navigate relevant information by breaking it down into categories, providing easy access to key phone numbers, as well as links to sources of detailed and up-to-date information.
- Saskatchewan: The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency has a FireSmart At Home website filled with information on how to prevent and prepare for wildfires.
- Manitoba: The Government of Manitoba has a page specifically dedicated to Wildfire Evacuation Guidelines, including Wildfire DOs and DON’Ts.
- Ontario: Visit the Government of Ontario Forest Fires page for up-to-date information about the current forest fire danger, forest fire activity and fire restrictions across the province.
- New Brunswick: The Canadian Red Cross has a webpage full of information such as Personalized Recovery and Interim Housing Support, Wellbeing and Coping with Crisis and a downloadable PDF step-by-step Canadian Red Cross Guide to Wild Fire Recovery.
- Nova Scotia: The Government of Nova Scotia website provides Wildfire resources including a Fire Restrictions Map, Campfire Safety and What to do when a Wildfire happens.
- PEI: The Government of Prince Edward Island website has useful information including a Domestic Brush Burning FAQ page, burning permits and fire restrictions.
- Newfoundland and Labrador: The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador website has a FireSmart at Home section that includes 6 informative and useful downloadable PDF’s.
- NWT and Nunavut: The Government of North West Territories website has resources and information available including, Health and Safety, Wildfire updates and Managing Wildfires.
- Yukon: The Government of Yukon website provides valuable information on Preventing a Wildfire, Preparing for an Approaching Wildfire and How to Return Safely to your Home after a Wildfire.
Remember, if a fire is near, protect yourself and loved ones by following directions from authorities and always be prepared to evacuate. OpenCircle also provides resources for our Members through the Employee Assistance Program. Download the PDF here.
